During a meeting with Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAU), Poland's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrzej Szejna, emphasized that during Poland's EU presidency, the country will continue to uphold its approach of sanctioning the Lukashenko regime and supporting Belarusian democratic forces. The position of Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Lukashenko regime remains "unchanged and firm".
During the meeting, Pavel Latushka handed Andrzej Szejna an aide-memoire prepared by the NAM based on data from Belarusian human rights organizations. The document highlighted the scale of political repressions, which have intensified in Belarus in the lead-up to Lukashenko’s attempt to reappoint himself to the presidency he has usurped. Pavel Latushka stressed that Belarus is essentially implementing a Stalinist approach, with repressions targeting entire families.
The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also noted that the appointment of Adam Hałaciński as the Special Representative of Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for relations with Belarusian democratic forces is a significant signal of the priority placed on supporting Belarusian democratic forces.
Andrzej Szejna stated that there is no reason to expect democratic and transparent elections, as Lukashenko continues his repressive policies against Belarusians. "We see and understand this. Poland does not remain indifferent, — Andrzej Szejna added.
The meeting also addressed possible approaches to securing the release of political prisoners in Belarus and discussed options for international mediation.
During the discussion, Pavel Latushka appealed to Andrzej Szejna, who also serves as a member of the Polish Sejm, to support the official delegation of the Belarusian Coordination Council. For the first time, this delegation will participate in the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) from January 27–31, 2025. Szejna underscored the importance of Polish Sejm deputy Ryszard Petru’s appointment as PACE rapporteur on Belarus and expressed readiness for Poland's mission to the Council of Europe to assist the Belarusian delegation in their work.
Pavel Latushka emphasized that it is crucial for democratic forces to ensure that Belarus is not sidelined during potential negotiations on Ukraine. This matter, he noted, requires further consultations with Ukraine and the European Union. He also highlighted Poland's potential leading role in this regard, particularly as it assumes the EU presidency on January 1, 2025.
"Lukashenko has no right to represent Belarus in these negotiations, as he has lost legitimacy and cannot speak on behalf of the Belarusian people. It is vital for the voice of the democratic majority of Belarusian society to be heard during these talks", — Pavel Latushka emphasized.
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